Breed Comparison: Black Russian Terrier Versus Finnish Spitz

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Black Russian Terrier Versus Finnish Spitz: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Black Russian Terrier and for the Finnish Spitz. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Black Russian Terrier or the Finnish Spitz.

Black Russian Terrier versus Finnish Spitz: Overview

A very important difference between the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog while the Finnish Spitz is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Black Russian Terrier belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the Finnish Spitz belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Black Russian Terrier versus Finnish Spitz: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Black Russian Terrier to the Finnish Spitz based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz

Factor Black Russian Terrier Finnish Spitz
Life Span 10 to 11 years 12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Height 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 80 to 140 pounds 20 to 35 pounds
Average Lifespan 10.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $3050 $1500
Price Range $2600 – $3500 $1500 – $1500
Temperament Score 93.9 percent 72.7 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Black Russian Terrier in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Finnish Spitz. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Finnish Spitz is 77 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Finnish Spitz is a better pet than the Black Russian Terrier. So, you should get the Finnish Spitz!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz

    Below is a list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are most different:

    • Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, Finnish Spitzs get along well with other dogs.

    The Similarities Between the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz

    The Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are most similar:

    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are very easy to train.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Black Russian Terrier versus Finnish Spitz

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz.

    Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Finnish Spitzs weigh 20 to 35 pounds when fully grown. Finnish Spitzs are 15 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Black Russian Terrier versus Finnish Spitz

    The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 years.

    The lifespan of Finnish Spitzs is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Finnish Spitzs is 13.5 years.

    Finnish Spitzs live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Finnish Spitz

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Finnish Spitz.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Finnish Spitz is 72.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 72.7 percent, the Finnish Spitz has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz by measuring the temperaments of 164 Black Russian Terriers and 11 Finnish Spitzs.

    Price of Black Russian Terrier versus Price of Finnish Spitz

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Finnish Spitz puppy is $1500. The price of the Finnish Spitz typically ranges from $1500 – $1500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1 Finnish Spitz puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Finnish Spitz.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Black Russian Terrier and Finnish Spitz. For different price points, the charts show how many Black Russian Terrier puppies or how many Finnish Spitz puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs

    A breakdown of the prices of Finnish Spitzs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Black Russian Terrier puppy or the Finnish Spitz puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Black Russian Terrier versus Finnish Spitz

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Finnish Spitzs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Black Russian Terriers shed more than Finnish Spitzs?

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Finnish Spitzs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Black Russian Terrier or the Finnish Spitz

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Finnish Spitzs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Black Russian Terrier or the Finnish Spitz?

    Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Finnish Spitzs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Black Russian Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Finnish Spitz?

    Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Finnish Spitzs have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Black Russian Terriers Bark and Howl? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Finnish Spitzs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Finnish Spitzs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Black Russian Terrier vs. Finnish Spitz

    Black Russian Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Finnish Spitzs have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Finnish Spitzs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Black Russian Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Finnish Spitzs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Black Russian Terrier or the Finnish Spitz?

    Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Finnish Spitzs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Black Russian Terriers good family dogs? What about Finnish Spitzs?

    Black Russian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Finnish Spitzs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Black Russian Terriers and Finnish Spitzs?

    Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Finnish Spitzs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Easier to Train than the Finnish Spitz?

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Finnish Spitzs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Black Russian Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the Finnish Spitz?

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Finnish Spitzs adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Black Russian Terrier or the Finnish Spitz?

    Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Finnish Spitzs are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Black Russian Terrier versus Finnish Spitz. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Black Russian Terrier and the Finnish Spitz better suits you and your family.